I have wasted time in the past tweaking my various IT and productivity systems but have noticed that as I get a bit older, I am becoming less inclined towards this and more pragmatic, using what works and works simply.

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In spite of the obvious paradox of reading this stuff and commenting it, thank you for the link

I recently simplified my GTD system in a way I can relate to the author's. The key was given to me by -who else- sensei Allen, in one of his latest newsletters. He ended it with something like 'if you don't like it, don't call it project list, call it 'things I want to finish', but for heaven's sake have one'.

A year ago, I would have despised myself for doing so. But it turned out to do the trick. I was high on productivity terminology. But, the thing was, the moment I called something 'a project', it became way to serious, stiff, and not me. I was kind of 'worshiping the plan', the tools, the definitions, etc.

Now I do my best to keep it dead simple, minimal, and I consciously avoid the 'big words' (I can do that now because, although there is always room for improvement, I'm confident that I've grabbed the concepts). If I need more organization at some point, I'll notice.

I know all of this is in the books, but as DA also says, you have to 'trust your process'. Maybe, because of the chaos my life was in before GTD, I needed that other stage of square mind and over-organization. But knowing what the areas of focus are will never tell you what to fill them with. GTD is a tool, the best by far in my experience, but each of us can and must use that tool in our unique way.

I'm finding the new forum/podcast(s) about GTD and kids really are a great reality-check in terms of bringing me back to the basics of GTD. It really is all about "What do I want to have true about XYZ?" and creating a roadmap between where you are and where your desired outcome is. All the other stuff is just that - and, just as with all "stuff," some of it is wonderfully joy-inducing and some of it will just drag you down.

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I'm finding the new forum/podcast(s) about GTD and kids really are a great reality-check in terms of bringing me back to the basics of GTD. It really is all about "What do I want to have true about XYZ?" and creating a roadmap between where you are and where your desired outcome is. All the other stuff is just that - and, just as with all "stuff," some of it is wonderfully joy-inducing and some of it will just drag you down.